Study at The University of York

Why study at University of York

York joined the Russell Group in 2012 and is one of only four UK universities rated both Gold for teaching in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework and top ten for research in the Times Higher Education ranking of REF 2021. Its three faculties span arts and humanities, sciences and social sciences, with more than thirty departments covering subjects from archaeology and English to biology, education, law and management.

Location and student life

York's teaching and accommodation sit mainly on two linked campuses, Campus West and Campus East, set in about 500 acres of parkland with lakes at Heslington, south-east of the city. Campus West is the original 1960s campus around Central Hall and the lake, while Campus East, opened in 2009, hosts five colleges alongside newer teaching buildings, a sports village and start-up space. Every student joins one of eleven colleges, which act as smaller social and support communities.

The city of York lies close by, giving students access to shops, cafes, nightlife and part-time work alongside campus facilities.

Courses and subjects

Teaching is organised into three faculties: Arts and Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences, covering more than thirty departments and centres. Subject areas include archaeology, English and related literature, history and language sciences; biology and other sciences; and business and management, economics, education, law and social and political sciences.

International students who do not yet meet direct-entry requirements can apply through the university's International Pathway College, run with Kaplan International Pathways, which offers Foundation, International Year One and Pre-Masters routes with guaranteed progression to a York degree on reaching the required level.

Entry requirements for international students

Entry requirements vary by course and country, so applicants should check the relevant course and country pages on the university website. As a guide, most undergraduate courses ask for IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each component, while taught postgraduate courses typically require 6.5 and some ask for 7.0. Applicants who miss the English threshold can take a pre-sessional English course, and those missing academic requirements may enter via the International Pathway College foundation routes.

Accommodation

New full-time first-year undergraduates, including international students, are guaranteed an offer of university-owned, managed or approved accommodation if they select York as their firm or insurance choice, apply for a single room for the full year by the 31 July deadline and become unconditional by results day. Students live in college accommodation across Campus West and Campus East, and later-year students commonly move into shared housing in the city.

Scholarships and funding

York offers several awards for international students, including the International Undergraduate Achievement Scholarship worth up to £10,000 off first-year tuition and the Global Impact Masters Scholarship offering £5,000 to £8,000 for a first year of postgraduate study, alongside departmental awards such as the Dean's Global Excellence Scholarship. Eligibility and values change each year, so applicants should check the university's scholarships pages for current details and deadlines.